Mining the Truth Documentary at New Acton

In 2012, 60 young people travelled to mining communities around Australia. They heard from Traditional Owners, miners, doctors, farmers, parents and others who have experienced the impacts of coal and gas development. ‘Mining The Truth’ documents their stories. The Canberra premiere will feature a panel Q&A with Peter Martin from Southern Highlands Coal Action Group, Matt Grudnoff from The Australia Institute, Peter Tait from the Climate and Health Alliance, and students featured in the documentary.www.miningthetruth.org.au

A documentary detailing the stories of those whose lives have been affected by the mining industry will be having its ACT premiere at Palace Electric Cinema in New Acton later this month.

The film, produced by the Australian Student Environment Network, takes a roadtrip with 60 young and inspiring Australians to visit coal and gas mining communities in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria and hear their stories. The film depicts traditional owners, miners, doctors, farmers, parents and others who are directly experiencing the environmental and social impacts of the fossil fuel industry.

The Canberra premiere, to be held in Palace Electric Cinemas in New Acton, will be followed by a panel discussion. Peter Martin from the Southern Highlands Coal Action Group, Matt Grudnoff from the Australia Institute, Peter Tait from the Climate and Health Alliance, and students who traveled on the roadtrips will all bring their perspectives to the many issues touched on in the film.

Laura Hogan, a student participant on one of the roadtrips, said it was a powerful experience. “In the media we hear about the mining boom all the time, but seeing firsthand the impacts that these industries have on the land was pretty devastating.”

“We camped in spectacular forests threatened by expansion of huge open­cut coal mines and stared into their abysses, walked through caves of ancient Aboriginal rock­art, and in the same area witnessed the bleak patches of forest where coal seam gas well spills have completely bleached the surface and the only life is found in puddles of blue green algae.”

But she said the most powerful aspect of this experience was meeting the people who face these impacts every day.

“Just as those who are fighting to protect their lands and community are people, those who work in the mines are people too.”